The Mayan Hot Cocoa ebook contains two patterns: a blanket and matching tea cozy. Both pieces are double-knit and feature the Mayan symbol for hot chocolate, making them a low-calorie way to keep warm no matter how cold the weather is.

The Tree of Life Through the Seasons is a set of five fichu patterns depicting the Tree in spring, summer, autumn, winter, and paradise. The basic outline, a crescent with a wide lace edge at the hem, remains the same for all five. The difference is in the details - what surrounds the tree? How dense are the leaves? How much has the trunk grown? What type of edge detail fits each season?

Patterns available as Ravelry Downloads

A subtle, dressy cowl for him or her combines traditional patterns Bavarian Cloverleaf (Kleeblatt) and Small Wheat Grain (Woazkörndl). It’s knit at a tight gauge to keep the chill out. A subtle semi-solid colorway shows off the twisted stitches while giving the design depth. The width and length are easily adjustable.

A combination of traditional Bavarian Cloverleaf (Kleeblatt), Small Wheat Grain (Woazkörndl), and twisted stitch ribbing produces dressy fingerless gloves for him or her. A subtle semi-solid colorway shows off the twisted stitches while giving the design depth.

Keep your teapot hot while the hours dance along until teatime. This tea cozy is designed to fit a vertical cylinder teapot, though it could be used with a “potbelly” shape, too. The cozy takes less than one ball of each yarn used and is a great way to use up those remnants of novelty yarn that lurk in so many stashes. Keep the novelty yarn at t...

Cuddly Chem Lab is a set of fun, soft crochet lab equipment for a scientifically minded child or adult. Make the pieces in any color, weight, or yarn. Put a yarny twist on the trend of decorating with lab glass - the container shapes would make excellent holders for jewelry, crochet hooks, or small office supplies. Or use thin yarn and a tiny ho...

glissando {ɡlisˈsando, plural: glissandi, abbreviated gliss}: A musical term referring to either a continuous sliding one pitch to another (a “true” glissando), or an incidental scale played while moving from one melodic note to another. Italian, from French glissant, present participle of glisser, ‘to slip, slide.’

It’s a toy, it’s a pillow, it’s a stage prop, it’s a stringed instrument in more ways than one! What is it? It’s Lyre, Lyre, a huggable soft-sculpture knitted harp, second in a series after Song of Avalon. Make it for yourself or for your favorite musician. Note: Does not actually play music.

Song of Avalon is a huggable harp pillow. The first in a series, it’s based on the graceful, swooping lines of a small lap harp. The embroidered strings are accurately color coded just like a real harp. It’s a unique gift or accent for a harper’s home. Note: Does not actually play music.

Simple and classic, Roman Jewel is a very easy cowl utilizing the Roman Rib stitch. All the patterning is done using only knit and purl stitches to make a flowing, non-curling fabric. It can be knit to any length and worn single or doubled. Depending on color choice, the pattern can be worn by a man or a woman.

Sunrays On My Mind is a heart-shaped (curved triangle) shawl striped with a combination of twisted stitch columns and diagonal lines of lace flanking a wide central spine. The design is finished with a wide sideways edging featuring eyelet zigzags. Make the shawl in any weight of yarn to bring rays of sunshine into the chilliest day.

Chilly weather on the day of a formal event? Let the storm rage on! Named for the ethereal song which accompanies our favorite snow queen as she walks up the aisle to her coronation, Heimr Àrnadalr - Old Norse for “Home Arandelle” - will keep you both warm and elegant. This lightweight snowflake poncho combines twisted stitches and l...

About 2,000 years ago, the ancient Mayans created what is believed to be the first chocolate beverage. It was a frothy, foamy, sugarless drink with a surprise ingredient: chili pepper. This “xocolatl” was originally served cold, but by the 16th century a hot version had come into being. In the centuries since, it has become the hot c...

Give your chairs a cozy upgrade with these adorable, reversible seat cushions. Use different colors on either side and try our new Wool of the Andes Superwash Bulky, to make them fun and easy to care for, too. You’ll be collecting compliments while keeping the comfort of your house guests in mind as you show off these special, handmade sea...

Philae is a small island in Lake Nasser, Egypt. It was also the name of the dahabeeyah (river boat) used by Elizabeth Peters’ archaeologist heroine Amelia Peabody on her first trip up the Nile. On her trip, she would surely have encountered an abundance of papyrus plants. The stylized papyrus frond is related to the palmette, lotus, tree o...

“Lizzie Stole Mr. Darcy’s Heart” is based on a walking wrap worn by Elizabeth Bennet in a stage performance of Pride and Prejudice. Hers was woven; this one is an easy rectangle knit which is shaped by the stitches. The simple stitch patterns work well in solid, semi-solid, handpainted or variegated yarns.

With a lace pattern based on an vintage light fixture, Luz Clara (“clear light”) is a Mañanita, a circular shawl with an opening for the head. It is encircled by a relatively easy lace pattern composed of zigzag lines capped with ever-increasing flower motifs. A delicate picot bind-off adds interest to the edging.

Oh Madeline! is a Mañanita, a circular shawl with an opening for the head. It rests on the shoulders like a lacy, exotic poncho encircled by rosebuds and leaves, variations on Shetland and Orenburg lace motifs. The name comes from the yarn, a fabulous single-ply laceweight from Madelinetosh. Oh Madeline! is very light, yet it will be just warm e...

About 2,000 years ago, the ancient Mayans created what is believed to be the first chocolate beverage. It was a frothy, foamy, sugarless drink with a surprise ingredient: chili pepper. This “xocolatl” was originally served cold, but by the 16th century a hot version had come into being. In the centuries since, it has become the hot c...

Baby, it’s cold outside - and don’t you need a cowl to keep you warm? This one features ribbed cables which make it reversible - an ideal stitch pattern for an accessory that may show either side when you wear it. Make it short or long; the pattern includes instructions for both. The cowl is worked in the round, so there’s no s...

Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) was an inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, physicist, and futurist best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system. His namesake hat features cabled lightning bolts and is sized for the whole family, It will look best in solid or semi-solid y...

This little headband is a quick yet exotic accessory. Much less than one skein of each color was used. Since it only uses a very small amount of yarn, you can use leftovers from other projects to make a headband to match. It’s also a good opportunity to practice two-sided twisted stitch patterning on a small scale in preparation for larger...

The two-color stranded colorwork in this hat and scarf set is based on a bit of wrought iron seen in a 1983 episode of Simon & Simon entitled “Red Dog Blues.” A lattice-like band circles the brim and a bright star graces the crown. Depending on the colors used, the design is appropriate for men, women, or children. The hat includ...

The two-color stranded colorwork in this hat and scarf set is based on a bit of wrought iron seen in a 1983 episode of Simon & Simon entitled “Red Dog Blues.” Lattice and diamond bands are interspersed with sections of solid stockinette. Instructions are included for sewing a heatable scarf insert to keep you warm on the coldest days. Depend...

Go on, be a modern duchess or snow queen this winter! This quick-to-knit set features sleek and elegant asymmetrical lines. The hat is worked from the top down in the round with short rows to shape the brim, while the scarflet merges short rows with easy ribbing and garter stitch. For an even more coziness, work a larger gauge or larger size tha...

Go on, be a modern duchess or snow queen this winter! This quick-to-knit set features sleek and elegant asymmetrical lines. The scarflet merges short rows with easy ribbing and garter stitch. The hat is extra warm, so the scarflet coordinates without being overwhelmingly hot.

“Good heavens, Miss Sakamoto! You’re beautiful!” shouts Magnus Pyke in Thomas Dolby’s 1982 hit “She Blinded Me With Science.” The double-knit Miss Sakamoto is more jewelry than scarf, but it will add a little extra warmth to a formal outfit when the chilly weather comes. Wear it as a scarf, head-wrap, belt, or...

Here is an elaborate beaded drawstring purse based on the formal reticule purses popular from Jane Austen’s times through the Victorian Era. How does that relate to science? The maze-like colorwork is loosely based on the shape of the Endoplasmic Reticulum, a part of our cells which helps synthesize proteins. (In fact, the pattern name was...

Could a real live countess have owned an accessory like this? Absolutely! The design is based on a Victorian capelet created by A. Walles in Paris In 1895. The beads and velvet of the original have been re-interpreted into a knitterly accessory featuring two-color stranded colorwork with cables. It’s a challenging but highly satisfying sho...

Have you ever seen Swan Lake? The outcome is rather grim for poor Odette. I think the swan princess deserves a happier ending, so here is a beautiful lacy wrap for her: “Triumph of the White Swan.” The long rectangle features ruffles, feathers, chevrons, and a center diamond. In lightweight mohair silk, it is an elegant formal access...

The carillon, the largest and heaviest of all musical instruments, consists of a series of 23 or more tuned bells, which are usually housed in a belfry or tower. The carillonneur plays these bells by using their fists to strike sticklike batons on a keyboard, sometimes using their feet on a pedal keyboard for the heavier bells. The largest caril...

Aoi is a Japanese name referring to the hollyhock plant or a beautiful shade of blue-green; Mai means “dance.” Aoi Mai is a sweet piece knit from the top down with an adapted Japanese stitch pattern. Extra increases form a heart-shaped fichu or shawlette that sits comfortably on the shoulders.

Kichwa, aka Quechua, is the ancient language of the Incas. Though it has changed across the centuries, several dialects of it are still spoken throughout Ecuador, Columbia and Peru. Original stranded patterns inspired by Andean designs give South American flair to the Kichwa Love Song Vest. Side shaping and a single front tie create a flattering...

Survive the cold in style! Miyabi is Japanese for “elegance,” and the Miyabi Collar will keep you both elegant and warm during the chilly months. The collar is knit from the top down with fingering-weight yarn. The lace is adapted from a Japanese stitch pattern; optional beads add sparkle. Choose from pullover or buttoned versions.

“Seersucker” is a lightweight woven fabric with alternating bumpy and smooth surfaces. The textural contrast is the source of the name, which comes from the Persian words “shir o shekar,” meaning “milk and sugar.” The Diamond Seersucker stitch, though neither woven nor Persian, mimics the texture of the origin...

“Carry A Tune” is covered in a stylized brocade created from musical symbols, with mirrored Celtic harps gracing the front flap. The fabric is reversible, so either side may be chosen as the public side of the bag with the inside in the opposite colors.

Stay warm and elegant in the cold weather with any or all of the pieces in the Yukiko (Snow Child) Scarf and Cowls. They are knit in fingering-weight yarn with texturing adapted from a traditional Japanese stitch pattern; optional beads add variety and sparkle. Choose from a short cowl, long cowl (infinity scarf) or straight scarf.

Petra Laurie, the Faithful is a woman’s textured argyle vest, part of the P.L. Argyle Family which includes Peter Lorre, the Mysterious and Pete or Laurey, the Precocious. The vest is knit flat with embroidered lines accentuating the diamond patterning. The feminine shaping includes waist shaping and a deep v-neck.

When the Greeks under Alexander fought their way to the Far East they were surprised to find wool cotton growing on trees. Later travelers returning from Cathay told of the same marvel and travelers who stayed at home and wrote about what they had not seen misunderstood these reports and elaborated a legend of a tree that bore live lambs as frui...

Spathodia campanulata, also known as African Tulip Tree, Fireball, and Flame of the Forest, is prevalent in warm climates from India to South America. Water collects in the abundant clusters of vivid orange blossoms, making the tree a favorite destination for hummingbirds, parakeets and other tropical birds. On a chilly day, the lightweight Camp...

Mini-socks make cute keychain accents for guys or girls and can be used to protect a USB thumb drive. They’re also a great way to use up leftover sock yarn. Knit a whole flock of socks or just one - since they don’t need to be pairs, there’s no risk of SSS (second-sock syndrome)!

“To Those who Appreciate Wistaria and Sunshine.” So begins the advertisement that sets in motion Elizabeth von Arnim’ s lovely 1922 novel “The Enchanted April.” On reading it, two Englishwomen are motivated to rent a mediaeval Italian castle for the month of April, during which time they rediscover love and happiness.

Garter and moss stitch blocks combine to make a handsomely textured unisex scarf. Knit as shown, it is the perfect size for a child or for use as an adult’s accent scarf. Worked in a heavier yarn, it would keep any adult warm through the winter. Suggestions for customizing the scarf are included.

Carmencita is a cozy knit scarf with a diamonds-in-diamonds lace pattern and distinctive zigzag edges. It’s certain to keep you or a fortunate recipient warm even in the coldest weather. It works up very quickly and requires less than 300 yards of bulky yarn. The lace pattern is provided in both charted and written form.

Everyone needs a head band or two for yardwork or exercise. This is a practical and quick project to make for yourself or as a gift. Since each headband uses only a small amount of yarn, it’s great for using up those partial skeins in your stash. Instructions for both solid and easy intarsia-striped versions are included.

The elegant and dramatic Flight of Peacocks combines an overall twining leaf lace design with a Victorian diamond edging. Rapid increasing gives it a winglike swoop and lets it sit securely on the shoulders. Color it subtle or dramatic, and add optional beads on the border for extra sparkle. There is no sewing and no pre-stringing of beads neede...

Phasianinae Ankle Warmers are named for the Subfamily to which peacocks belong. They were designed to coordinate with the Flight of Peacocks Shawl / Fichu pattern. Three skeins of yarn were enough for both the shawl and a set of size M Phasianinae.

Selenite is a crystallized form of the very soft mineral gypsum. Its name comes from the Greek “selene,” meaning “moon”. The crystals are often clear, translucent, or white with a very defined elongated diamond shape. They can be very tiny, though some spectacular ones measuring nearly 40 feet (12 m) in length have been f...

Tulipa Clusiana is a short-sleeved peasant-style sweater knit from the top down. It’s worked mostly in the round, and there is no seaming. There is very little shaping, but the twisted tulip ribbing creates slimming vertical lines and makes for a fitted, shapely sweater. Wear it with jeans or a skirt from spring through summer and well int...

“Alandaluz” is a curved triangular fichu designed with wings so it will sit securely on your shoulders. The word alandaluz is Spanish for “winged light. ” The lace patterns and sideways border mimic feathers, and a celestial blue semi-solid yarn is calls to mind a clear sky and wispy clouds. The fichu is worked from the t...

“Ivory Palace” is a wide, curved fichu named after a delicate white miniature rose hybridized by the late Ralph S. Moore. The fichu combines two adapted traditional Estonian lace patterns and is designed to rest securely on your shoulders. Knitting is worked from the top down, so no sewing is necessary. Wear it over a delicate sundre...

“Felicidad” is Spanish for “happiness.” This versatile cropped cardigan is striped with variegated and solid laceweight yarn to harmonize colors and prevent pooling and flashing. It showcases an antique Diamond Trellis Lace pattern from The Jenny June Manual of Knitting and Crochet, 1886.

A “fach” is an operatic voice type, or a way of categorizing a singer’s voice according to its range, weight, and color. A light lyric coloratura soprano has a very agile voice which is capable of fast musical acrobatics and clear high notes. Think of Beverly Sills or Kathleen Battle. This type of soprano may sing such light ro...

Swirly vines and tendrils curl around roses based on a motif from a 16th century Venetian fabric. Double-knit laceweight mohair makes a romantic wrap that is both toasty warm and light as air, while wide lace at each end adds extra femininity. Work it in vivid colors for a dramatic accessory or choose pale pastels for a delicate look.

The puff-shouldered Darrieux Capelet is named for French actress Danielle Yvonne Marie Antoinette Darrieux, who wore a similar garment in the 1954 film “The Earrings of Madame De …”. Hers was of woven fabric and unadorned except for the brooch she used to fasten it. This knitted, lace-trimmed version is worked from the top down...

“Delysia” is a double-knit scarf with a design based on a pair of Art Deco earrings worn by the movie character of the same name. The length allows the scarf to be worn in many different and stylish ways. Optional short-row ruffles at each end add extra femininity. The pattern includes brief instructions on how to double-knit.

A wide headband and matching collar knit in lofty wool will keep you both toasty and stylish. A cabled braid (simpler than it looks!) makes a lovely halo, while seed stitch borders add texture and depth. Two special buttons fasten the collar. At three and a half stitches per inch, the set works up quickly for yourself or as a gift for someone yo...

“Miss Pettigrew” is a warm, cozy double-knit scarf with a design based on classic Art Deco ironwork. Subtle curves soften the edges of the geometric diamond pattern. The length allows the scarf to be worn in many different and stylish ways. Change the color combination for a look either classic or modern. The pattern includes instructions on how...

Cloche Encounter is a quick-to-knit project embellished with an I-cord flower and embroidered leafy flourishes. One special button forms the large flower’s center. Make it in cheerful colors to brighten up the cold winter days or in subtle neutrals for a sophisticated, feminine hat.

“Daughter of the Sea” is one way to translate the Latin name Cordelia. Bands of simple colorwork, shaped front points, I-cord edging, a back accent belt and shell buttons with button loops are combined to make this an unusual, feminine sweater vest. The pattern for

“La Bonita” is Spanish for “the pretty one” or “the beauty.” You’ll feel beautiful wearing this face-framing hat with contrasting welted stripes and a subtle flare on one side. Knit it in your favorite tropical colors for a cheerful accent to your winter wardrobe, then embellish with a reversible flower / sunburst to change the look.

Cloche (Fr. “bell”) hats were invented by French milliner Caroline Reboux in 1908 and were especially popular during the 1920’s and early 1930’s. The name “Nefret” (accented on the second syllable) is an Egyptian girl’s name meaning beautiful. Though the cloche style is French in origin, it bears some resemblance to traditional headdresses like ...

Remember those lace-edged anklets you had when you were 8? These are a grown-up version. The Bells On Her Toes Socks are knit in the round from the top down. They feature a ruffled and ribbed cuff which can be worn pulled up with a flare at the top or folded down. The smooth stockinette foot makes these good to wear with shoes or boots, but they...

“Inga Loves Fröderick” is a quick-knit pair of socks with a lot of impact. The pattern resembles a traditional Bavarian motif, but the twisted-stitch medallions on the front are actually an original design based on a leaded-glass panel. The finished socks can be left as-is or customized with embroidery in your choice of colors for a truly unique...

The Larkspur Lane Socks are knit in the round from the top down. They feature a ribbed lace cuff and matching accents at the gussets. The lace rib pattern is easily memorized, with a 4-stitch, 4 row repeat. The smooth stockinette foot makes these good to wear with shoes or boots, but they also make cozy, comfortable house or bed socks.

“Harmonic curve” is a mathematical term describing a parabola, or a U-shaped curve formed by the intersection of a plane and a cone. Musically, it is the term for the shape of a harp’s neck (the piece across the top). A curve is necessary so the harp’s strings can change in length rapidly as the notes get higher. The exact shape of this piece va...

“Harmonic curve” is a mathematical term describing a parabola, or a U-shaped curve formed by the intersection of a plane and a cone. Musically, it is the term for the shape of a harp’s neck (the piece across the top). A curve is necessary so the harp’s strings can change in length rapidly as the notes get higher. The exact shape of this piece va...

“Inca Glory” is a short-sleeved stockinette-based cardigan. There is enough openwork to make the sweater lacy and lightweight and enough stockinette stitch to maintain stability. Flutter sleeves flow and drape gracefully around the arms, and there is an easy fit around the midsection.

Everyone needs a warm cardigan. This one is made of soft, light sportweight alpaca. Sinuous Bavarian twisted-stitch patterns lend interest to cuffs and front while remaining simple enough that they are not obscured by the yarn’s halo. The body and sleeves are worked in 1x1 ribbing for a silhouette that gives stretchiness to the alpaca yarn...

The reversible wrapped-stitch pattern breaks up pooling and is perfect for use with hand-painted colorways of sock yarn. Worked in a muted solid or subtle colorway, the pattern would also work as a man’s scarf. The scarf shown used less than 1 skein of Fire Lizard Studios Joy in colorway “Garden”.

“Peter Lorre, the Mysterious” is part of The Sanguine Gryphon’s Fall 2011 “Film Noir” pattern collection. With the restructuring of the company at the end of 2011, the pattern is now available through Patternfish and my Ravelry store.

The Peacock Jewel Mohair Wrap was designed as a gift for a friend who is going through a difficult time. It is meant to be a warm, comforting hug in fabric form. Because I have no desire to profit from her tragedy, I am pleased to offer this pattern as a free download.

The Scattered Snowflakes Lace Scarf is an easy accessory that combines bias (diagonal) knit fabric and an easy snowflake lace pattern. Variegated yarn accentuates the diagonal lines, and pooling and flashing enhances the simple lace. The scarf shown used less than two skeins of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock in colorway “Icehouse.”...

Princesa de los Andes (Princess of the Andes) is a lightweight lace cardigan which is knit from the top down in one piece. Stitches are set aside for the sleeves and knitting continues through the body. Sleeve stitches are picked up and worked in the round. Except for the button and optional buttonhole strengthening, no sewing is needed.

Octavia’s Garlands is a unique and customizable pattern for a rectangular lace shawl. You don’t have to be a harpist to make or wear it - any musician or music lover would enjoy it! Please note that this is the abridged version. Click here for the full version. Two music options (Twinkle, Twinkle and up-and-down scales) are included, as opposed ...

The Tree of Life in Spring Fichu is a crescent-shaped shawl with elongated “wings” which help it sit securely on your shoulders. The shawl is cast on at the neck edge and worked downwards, culminating in a 4 1/4”-wide sideways lace border which is joined progressively to the live stitches along the bottom edge of the shawl. No sewing is required...

The Tree of Life Through the Seasons is a set of five fichu patterns depicting the Tree in spring, summer, autumn, winter, and paradise. The basic outline, a crescent with a wide lace edge at the hem, remains the same for all five. The difference is in the details - what surrounds the tree? How dense are the leaves? How much has the trunk grown?...

The third fichu pattern in the Tree of Life Through the Seasons depicts the Tree in Autumn. The difference is in the details: the dense leaves have thinned into an openwork feather-and-fan texture. Falling leaves and flowers surround the tree, and a border of leaves edges the hem. The deep, saturated reds / oranges / browns of the yarn also give...

The fifth and final (for now) fichu pattern in the Tree of Life Through the Seasons depicts the Tree in in Paradise. Rays of light emanate from the center of the Tree, and lush flowers fill the outside corners. The lace border is composed of flowers and leaves. Glimpses of tropical blue sky peek through warm, lush jungle colors. The fichu shown ...

The fourth fichu pattern in the Tree of Life Through the Seasons depicts the Tree in Winter. Wintry details: the dense leaves have thinned into an openwork feather-and-fan texture, snow crystals drift around the tree and a crisp lace border reminiscent of icicles edges the hem.

Octavia’s Garlands is a unique and customizable pattern for a rectangular lace shawl. You don’t have to be a harpist to make or wear it - any musician or music lover would enjoy it! This is the full version of the pattern. A abridged pattern version with two music options (Twinkle, Twinkle and up-and-down scales) is also available. C...

The Tree of Life in Summer Fichu is a crescent-shaped shawl with elongated “wings” which help it sit securely on your shoulders. The shawl is cast on at the neck edge and worked downwards, culminating in a 5½”-wide sideways lace border which is joined progressively to the live stitches along the bottom edge of the shawl. No sew...

These lace-edged cuffs are fitted so they can be worn with short sleeves or peeking out beneath long sleeves. They are a small, quick project that can be made with one skein of yarn. A practical and pretty gift!

An elegant accent to make for yourself or as a gift your favorite harper or harpist. (Yes, they’re different. In general usage, a “harper” is someone who uses a lever or folk harp, usually playing folk or traditional tunes,while a “harpist” uses a pedal harp and often plays a more classical repertoire. But whether they play the harp or not, any ...

Reusing something that would otherwise be discarded is the purest form of recycling, and don’t we all have plastic bags lying around the house? Don’t throw them out - use them to make a sturdy little business card case! This project could be made using strips of any plastic (just remember, the more flexible, the better), scrap cloth, or less tha...

Baby, it’s cold outside - and don’t you need a hat to keep you warm? This one is a quick knit featuring ribbed cables which make it reversible. It coordinates perfectly with ”Kate Loves a Cowl,” available separately or as part of the “Kate’s Cables” Ebook.